Gianluigi Donnarumma, perched on the training pitch at Manchester City’s Etihad complex, is still riding the high from the recent derby triumph over United. While the winning goal sparked debate – a contentious finish from Erling Haaland – and the red card for Phil Foden still irked many, Donnarumma’s focus lies elsewhere. He praised his teammates for their resilience, noting that despite being a man down and facing adversity, the squad displayed true character and secured the victory. "I adored how my colleagues performed; it was extraordinary," he told Sky Sports.
"The ability to stay in the contest, to respond when things get tough – that’s something no one can strip from us. We will give everything for this shirt, for a club that has given us so much and enjoys massive support. It has a rich history, and we owe it a lot in return." As the international break looms, City’s record remains flawless – a perfect run that many thought would be jeopardised after the departure of key figures from Pep Guardiola’s golden era, such as Bernardo Silva, John Stones and Rodri.
Yet the team has not been flawless across the board. Even Donnarumma admits there is still a lot to learn, despite the immaculate start to the Enzo Maresca‑era. The season was billed as a "transition" year for the club, a term the goalkeeper openly dislikes. "I’m not a fan of the word ‘transition’," he said.
"The club’s aim is to win. This squad’s aim is to win. We’ll give everything we can to make that happen.
Whether we finish the season with trophies or without, the crucial thing is to keep a winning mentality, to go out and try to win everything we possibly can." Donnarumma’s leadership role has expanded as he joins a newly‑formed core group that replaces the departing veterans. He now sits alongside defender Ruben Dias, striker Erling Haaland and centre‑back Marc Guehi in the hierarchy of on‑field leaders. All four have a wealth of experience and have lifted silverware both at City and elsewhere, providing a steadying influence for the newcomers. Young talents such as Ayyoub Bouaddi, Elliot Anderson and Iliman Ndiaye are being integrated into a squad that, according to Donnarumma, is not in a rebuilding phase but in a phase of consolidation and ambition.
"We’ve brought in a few new faces," he explained. "They’re top‑class players accustomed to the biggest stages, to handling pressure and to the rigours of the Premier League.
It isn’t easy at first – a new club, a new city, a new organisation – but they are adapting well and we are making sure they feel at home. The existing players are helping them settle, and I truly believe we are set for a fantastic season." The objectives are crystal clear: compete for every trophy on offer – the Premier League, the Champions League, the FA Cup and the League Cup.
City’s message to rivals is unmistakable: nothing is off limits when the squad is firing on all cylinders. One opponent that looms large in Donnarumma’s mind is Arsenal. Mikel Arteta’s side also began the campaign with a quartet of league wins before stumbling against Brighton, and they enjoyed a psychological lift after edging City out for the Premier League title last May.
The recent Guardiola documentary captured the disappointment that fell over City’s players after a slip‑up at Bournemouth handed the title to the Gunners. Donnarumma, who had been part of five consecutive title‑winning campaigns, was among those feeling the sting. "It’s tough, but that’s football, that’s life.
You’re not alone in that," he reflected. "There are other strong teams, especially in the Premier League.
Disappointment is part of the game, but it exists because there are other clubs capable of beating you, just as in the Champions League. It’s vital to approach every match with the intention to win.
Our goal is to win, but we must recognise there are other teams fighting for the same prizes. You have to compete, you have to work, and you have to give everything because the club’s history demands it." When asked whether City and Arsenal will be the duelling forces at the top when May arrives, Donnarumma shrugged, "I don’t know.
We’re only four games into the season." He emphasised that the immediate focus must be on preparation and on taking each game as it comes. "Our priority right now is to work hard and try to win every match. That’s our objective.
Whether we achieve it in the end or not, only time will tell." Beyond the on‑field battles, Donnarumma highlighted the importance of the club’s culture and the support system surrounding the players. The camaraderie within the dressing room, the guidance from senior figures, and the connection with the fans all play a part in sustaining the high standards expected at Manchester City. He also spoke about the mental resilience required to stay at the summit of English football. "You have to keep a positive mindset, even when things don’t go your way.
The squad has to bounce back quickly, learn from mistakes and keep pushing forward. That’s the essence of a champion side." In summary, Donnarumma paints a picture of a City side that, despite losing some of its long‑standing pillars, remains driven by an unrelenting desire to win. With a blend of seasoned leaders and hungry newcomers, the club aims to defend its domestic dominance while chasing European glory. The season is still in its infancy, but the foundations laid by the Italian goalkeeper and his fellow leaders suggest that Manchester City are poised to make a serious push for every trophy on offer.